Automatic latch for gates



1944- J. L TIERNEY AUTOMATIC LATCH FOR GATES Filed June 26, 1942 Patented Feb. 8, 1944 AUTOMATIC LATCH FOR GATES James Luke Tierney, Five Dock, New South Wales, Australia Application June 26, 1942, Serial No. 448,570

2 Claims.

This invention relates to the type of gate latch wherein a striking bar fixed to the gate contacts with and lifts a catch pivoted in a bracket fixed to the gate post, the catch being raised by the passage of the striking bar and then dropping behind it to prevent its return.

The principal objects of my present invention are to provide an improved fastener of this nature having means whereby the raising of the catch, when it is desired to open the gate, is facilitated, and also provided with means whereby the catch may be retained in its raised position when it is desired that the gate shall be free to swing to its closed position without becoming latched.

My invention comprises the following parts viz:

A bracket attachable to the gate post, a releasable catch device consisting of a ring having an integral handle, a pin fixed in the bracket and upon which the device is normally suspended the device having a notch which can be engaged upon the bracket to retain the device in an inoperative position.

An adaptation of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View showing the gate latched.

Fig. 2, a side sectional elevation showing the catch raised to free the striking bar.

Fig. 3, a perspective View similar to Fig. 1 showing the catch retained in its raised position.

A striking bar I is fixed by screws 2 to the gate 3 and projects over the face of the gate post 4. Parts only of the gate and post being shown in the drawing.

A bracket 5 which in plan is of U shape is fixed by screws 6 to post i and supports between I having an integral handle 8.

A pin 9 passing through the interior of the catch and through the bracket limits the rising of the catch and prevents it from being withdrawn from the bracket.

The gate upon being swung to, is automatically latched the striking bar lifting the catch which drops behind it to the position shown in Fig. 1 thereby preventing its return.

To release the latch the catch is raised by means of handle 8 to the position shown in Fig. 1.

In the handle, near its juncture with the catch, is a notch it which when it is desired to hold the catch out of operation is, by manipulation of the handle, caused to fit upon the end of the bracket as shown in Fig, 3.

By lifting the handle the notch is released from the bracket and the catch being permitted to fall, resumes its normal position as shown in Fig. 1.

:As shown in Fig. 2 the notch may be in the circumference of the ring and shaped to produce a snib H which rests upon the end of bracket 5 the end of the handle 8 bearing against the gate post thereby preventing the catch device from accidental falling down.

I claim:

1. The combination in a gate latch of the type described of a bracket attachable to a gate post, a releasable catch device consisting of a ring and an integral handle, a pin fixed in the bracket upon which the device is normally suspended, the device having a notch which can be engaged upon the bracket to retain the catch in an inoperative position.

2. In a gate latch of the type described a releasable catch device comprised of a ring and an integral handle a bracket in which the device is suspended, said handle having a notch which is engageable upon the bracket to retain the catch device in its raised position.

JAMES LUKE 'IIERNEY. 

